updated 03:00 pm EST, Wed November 10, 2010

Denies reports pointing to missing support

AirPrint will still be included in iOS 4.2, in spite of some claims to the contrary, Apple CEO Steve Jobs is reportedly saying. "AirPrint has not been pulled," Jobs is noted to have written in an e-mail exchange. "Don't believe everything you read." The message was sent in response to a complaint by an iPad owner, who suggested that Apple might be developing a reputation for vaporware, referring specifically to the missing white iPhone 4.

The company was yesterday alleged to be having compatibility and stability problems with AirPrint, forcing an indefinite delay. Mac and Windows references were removed from iOS 4.2 feature lists, and iOS 4.2 release notes no longer mention AirPrint compatibility with shared printers. An Apple tech support worker is even claimed to have told a developer that AirPrint was "cancelled."

AirPrint is an anchor feature of iOS 4.2, along with AirPlay media streaming. The firmware will also be the first version of iOS 4 to support the iPad, and should improve performance on the iPhone 3G. A recent report hinted that the v4.2 update could be pushed out on Friday at 10AM Pacific time.

It was never canceled.

AirPrint was never canceled, and never reported to be. However, what has been removed is the ability to print to any printer attached to your Mac or PC. AirPrint in it's first revision will have to print to printers specifically designated as AirPrint compatible, and it will print directly to the printer, not through your PC.

What this means is most people will need to buy new printers to make this work. It's an unfortunate turn of events, and will be harshly criticized if it is in fact the case.